Philippe Saint Andre looks set to be named as the new coach of France after the World Cup.
The Toulon boss is expected to replace Marc Lievremont once the global gathering ends in October.
Toulonpresident Mourad Boudjellal told Midi Olympique that he is resigned to losing Saint Andre, who won 68 caps for his country between 1990 and 1997.
"If things go as expected, it's him who will take charge of the Franceteam after the World Cup," said Boudjellal.
"It's good news for Philippe and a great source of pride for the club. The problem will be finding a new coach in the middle of the season."
Saint Andre spent nine years coaching in England, first with Gloucesterand then with Sale, whom he led to a first-ever Premiership title in 2006.
Having coached Bourgoin between 2002 and 2004, Saint Andre returned to Franceto take over the reigns at big spending Toulonin 2009.
And although the French Federation have not put out any statement on the future of the national coaching role, Boudjellal insists Saint Andre’s appointment is pretty much a done deal.
"It's been in place for a while,” added Boudjellal.
"It doesn't shock me, absolutely not, that the Federation have communicated on this subject."
Lievremont was named Francecoach after the last World Cup in 2007 but his time in charge has been surrounded by controversy.
The former international flanker was handed the role after just two years coaching experience with Dax and, although he led Franceto an RBS 6 Nations title in 2010, defeat to Italyearlier this season led to increased calls for his removal.
